what is it called when individuals live as if they were members of a different racial category than the one into which they were born

Answer: Passing

Explanation: Passing is a sociological term used to describe persons who present themselves as different from their original tribe or racial category.

People who engage in this type of act are mainly those of minority groups and racial category who feel or believe that by disclosing and identifying with their original tribe or racial category it will lead to discrimination, some also believe that by not identifying with their racial category they will be protected and they will enjoy certain benefits from the tribe or racial category they have identified with.